“Abuse of Power” enabled by more “Abuse of Power”

History supports that “abuse of power” is an age-old human condition. With people, animals and other life forms, and the environment, being among the many victims. Casualties of an array of abuses (e.g., physical, psychological, sexual, economic, human rights, etc.). Carried out at times by perpetrators in virtually every aspect of human society (e.g., families; government; news media; social media; religious institutions; educational institutions; law enforcement; medical practice/institutions; financial and charitable institutions; sports and entertainment; business; labor; criminal elements; terrorists, etc.).

History also shows that timely reporting and lawfully-just handling of “abuses of power” are much too often seriously impeded by further—“abuses of power.” A truly sad reality that may be undergoing long awaited change in the U.S., as evidenced by the recent dramatic increase in public accusations of sexual-related abuses in government, business, sports, entertainment, etc. Captivating (at least for the moment) a likewise dramatic increase in news reporting and national attention. Time will tell if this notable trend signals and ultimately renders a long past due, lawfully-just, and otherwise constructive outcome.

As will time also reveal the consequences of our willingness or unwillingness to:

(1.) Demand immediate discontinuance and public accounting of the recently revealed special fund, from which over 17 million U.S. taxpayer dollars have reportedly been paid out in some 268 sexual-harassment and other discrimination settlements within the federal government over the past 20 years;

(2.) Demand immediate repeal of the Freedom of Information Act “exemption” that our U.S. “servants of the people” have reportedly put in place to preclude public disclosure of pertinent information about above referenced taxpayer-funded settlements. Accompanied by immediate (prior to YR 2018 elections) public accounting regarding who received how much, when, and as the result of the accused/actual abuse of power by whom?);

(3.) Apply and support nation-wide respect for the rights of both the accuser and the accused, including “presumption of innocence” until lawfully proven otherwise. Lest the rights and protection of our U.S. Constitution be disregarded and replaced by mob-rule driven by the absence of clear distinction between an accusation and a lawfully-proven truth;

(4.) Meaningfully grasp the relevance and importance of the following very applicable quotes of James Madison (4th U.S. President and a U.S. Founding Father): “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives,” and, “Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.”                        
                                                              
                                                              —William James Moore